Guest Blog Post--Innovating the true Student Experience!
A Maine superintendent explaining how students truly progress at their own pace--based on their competencies--throughout high school; A Kentucky official explaining how they designate Districts of Innovation in their state; Students discussing how they will be going on a bus tour to teach local elementary students about culture in Nicaragua.
Five years ago, when I first entered teaching, I would never have guessed that I would witness those three things--in a 2.5 day conference! In late October, I had the great privilege of joining Ryan Krohn at the annual Innovation Lab Network Convening in Louisville, Kentucky. Basically, it was a gathering of states who have agreed to--on the local and state levels--truly innovate education. It was amazing to hear how states are redefining education so that it is about student learning--not adult teaching.
One of the most memorable experiences was our visit to the School on FIRE in rural Eminence, Kentucky. Here, we were exposed to true elements of personalized learning, like projects tailored to student interests (Nicaragua!) and schedules that varied so that teachers could coach and mentor kids. The emphasis was not just on college preparation but on the skills needed to be a productive global citizen. For each year in the School on FIRE, students must meet rigorous project and service learning requirements--all of which must meet proficiency in many different standards. (shown in image at right)
At the conference itself, it was amazing to truly see how innovation is happening in the states. One of the biggest movements, now, is to restructure finance policies so that states reward innovation and efforts toward personalized learning, which would truly shake the fabric of current finance policies. There are also cases of local districts who have overhauled their whole system to accommodate flexible schedules, competency-based learning, and project-based experiences for kids.
In reflecting upon this great experience, two things will leave a lasting mark on me in my own innovation efforts:
- Waukesha rocks! During the conference, the Wisconsin delegation spoke glowingly about all of the amazing efforts to create systems of learning in Waukesha. Truly, we are on the national radar, and people love what we are doing!
Innovation is not a fad. It is going to truly transform education at all levels. Many initiatives and proposals come and go. Based on the national efforts and state resources being invested in the 3 P’s (Proficiency, Personalized, and Project-Based) of learning, it is so amazing to see how we are innovating education--not just for teachers and administrators--but truly for students.
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